Ammunition and weapon systems

ABSTRACT

A weapon system employing encapsulated ammunition in which the pressure chamber, located axially rearward of the projectile, is longitudinally or axially offset from but in fluid communication with the propellant capsule chamber. This permits use of ammunition rounds having reduced length for given characteristics of prior rounds, resulting in lightest weight and improved bulk characteristics for the ammunition as well as associated weapon systems.

llnited @tates Patent 1191 Grandy Jan. 21, 1975 AMMUNITION AND WEAPONSYSTEMS 3,283,719 11/1966 Grundy 102/40 3,369,534 2/1968 Crossman [76]lnvemor- 2 fgfi g gg 3,696,705 10/1972 Hrabousky 89/35 A ve., or 1 s, a.l d FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [22] e 1974 1,537,857 8/1968 France102/38 [21] Appl. No.: 444,594

Primary Examiner-Benjamin A. Borchelt Related U.S. Appllcatlon DataAssistant Exam1nerH. J. Tudor [62] Division of Ser. No. 239,595, March30, 1972.

152 U.S. c1 102/38, 102/40, 102/43 [57] ABSTRACT 51 1111. C1. F42b 5/02A wapcmfiystem employmg encapsulated [58] Field 61 Search 102/38, 40,43, 43 D, 44; Whwh the F W l n P rearward of the pl'OjCCUlC, 1slong1tud1nally or axlally 89/35 R, 33, 35 A offset from but in fluidcommunication w1th the pro- 1561 1%1228 15-21 332 21888831821218282? 1 nu v1 re e 1 r UNITED STATES PATENTS istics of prior rounds, resulting inlightest weight and gowan 1 62 improved bulk characteristics for theammunition as urney 2,866,412 12/1958 Meyer 6123].. 102/40 x asassoclated weapon Systems 2,960,031 11/1960 Cliff 1. 102/40 15 Claims,67 Drawing Figures PAIEMEB 3,861,308

SHEET UlOF 10,

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AMMUNITION AND WEAPON SYSTEMS This is a division of application Ser. No.239,595, filed Mar. 30, 1972.

This ammunition concept is adaptable to recoilless, partially recoillessand closed breech ballistic systems in a variety of arrangements.

The invention described herein may be manufactured, used, and licensedby or for the Government for governmental purposes without the paymentto me off any royalty thereon.

This invention relates to ammunition and weapon systems therefor, andmore particularly to a variety of such systems each having the capacityto utilize cartridge capsule ammunition.

Present day cylindrical ammunition does not repre sent the mostefficient, over-all cartridge with respect to bulk and weight.

It is an object of the invention to provide weapon arrangements andcartridge capsule ammunition rounds for use therewith which are oflightness in weight and have improved bulk characteristics.

Another object of the invention is to provide such ammunition and weaponarrangements that can be advantageously used as partially recoilless,fully recoilless or closed breech ballistic systems.

A further object of the invention is to provide such arrangements thatcan be advantageously used in either fixed projectile or bolt rammedprojectile systems.

A further object of the invention is to provide such arrangements thatfacilitate an improved manner of removing spent ammunition rounds fromthe firing chamber of the weapon.

A still further object of the invention is to provide means forattaching the cartridges in arrangements that can be advantageously usedin single shot, semiautomatic and fully automatic weapons.

Another object of the invention is to provide specific capsule cartridgeshapes resulting in efficient packaging arrangements which can beadvantageously used in rotary fed end in-line fed single shot,semi-automatic and fully automatic weapons.

A further object of the invention is to provide both individual capsulecartridges and multi-cavity, unitized cartridge arrangements which canbe advantageously used in rotary fed and in-line fed, single shot,semiautomatic and fully automatic weapons.

These and other objects, features and advantages will become apparentfrom the following description and accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1-4 are perspective views of a variety of ammunition roundsembodying the principles of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the FIG. 1 round.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view ofa portion of a closed breechweapon system for the FIG. 5 round.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along lines 7-7 of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of certain portions of the FIG. 6 arrangementsubsequent to firing.

FIGS. 9-13 are views, similar to FIGS. l-5, ofa modified group ofammunition rounds.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of a recoilless orpartially recoilless weapon system for the FIGS. 913 rounds.

FIGS. 15-19 are similar views of a modified group of ammunition rounds.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are longitudinal sectional views of modified portions ofweapons associated with the rounds of FIGS. 15-19.

FIGS. 22-26 are views, similar to FIGS. 15-19, of a modified group ofammunition rounds.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are longitudinal sectional views of modified portions ofweapon systems associated with the rounds of FIGS. 2226.

FIGS. 29-32 are perspective views of a further modified group of rounds.

FIGS. 33 and 34 are perspective views of clusters of capsules of theFIG. 30 and FIG. 32 rounds. respectively.

FIGS. 35 and 36 are perspective views of clusters of capsules of theFIG. 32 and FIG. 31 rounds, respectively.

FIG. 37 is an end view of a modified form of cluster arrangement.

FIG. 38 is a sectional view taken along line 3838 of FIG. 37.

.FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a modified cluster arrangement.

FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a linking clip member andammunition round used in the FIG. 39 arrangement.

FIGS. 41-44 are end views of integral multiple cavity containers ofcartridge capsule portions arranged in cylindrical form.

FIG. 45 is a sectional view taken along line 45-45 of FIG. 41.

FIG. 46 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of a closed breechweapon system for the FIGS. 41-44 ammunition.

FIG. 47 is a longitudinal sectional view, partially broken away, ofmulti-cavity container modifications for the FIGS. 41-44 cylinders.

FIG. 48 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of a recoilless orpartially recoilless weapon system for the FIG. 17 ammunitioncontainers.

FIG. 49 is a view, similar to FIG. 47, of further multicavity containermodifications for the FIGS. 41-44 ammunition cylinders.

FIG. 50 and 51 are longitudinal section views of modified portions ofweapon systems associated with the FIG. 49 ammunition containers.

FIG. 52 is a view, similar to FIG. 49, of further multicavity containermodifications for the FIGS. 41-44 ammunition cylinders, and FIG. 52A isa partial sectional view taken along line 52A-52A of FIG. 52.

FIGS. 53 and 54 are longitudinal sectional views of modified portions ofweapon systems associated with the FIG. 52 ammunition containers.

FIG. 55 is a longitudinal sectional view of a propellant capsule portionof a multi-cavity rectangular prism ammunition cluster.

FIG. 56 is a partial sectional view taken along line 56-56 of FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is a sectional view taken along line 5757 of FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of a closed breechweapon system for the FIG. 55 ammunition prisms.

FIGS. 59-61 are views similar to FIG. 55 of modified arrangements.

FIG. 62 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of a recoilless orpartially recoilless weapon system for the FIG. 59 ammunition prisms.

FIGS. 63 and 64 are longitudinal sectional views of modified portions ofweapons systems associated with the FIG. 60 ammunition prisms.

FIGS. 65 and 66 are longitudinal sectional views of modified portions ofweapon systems associated with the FIG. 61 ammunition prisms.

The FIG. 1 encapsulated ammunition round shown generally at 101 includesa thin capsule 102 (FIG. of ferrous, non-ferrous or synthetic materialof predetermined countour. Preferably ferrous, the cartridge capsule hasan elongated substantially cylindrical chamber 103 and a propellantchamber 104 integral therewith but longitudinally offset therefrom. Anintermediate necked down metering orifice 105 interconnects or fluidlycommunicates the propellant chamber 104 with the pressure chamberportion 106 of the cylindrical chamber 103. A projectile 107 is slidablyreceived in the forward barrel portion 108 of chamber 103 islongitudinal alignment with the pressure chamber portion 106. Anappropriate percussion primer 109 is secured in a suitably recessed andapertured rear wall portion of the capsule 102, preferably aligned withthe propellant chamber 104 which contains the desired granular, flake,sheet or solid grain propellant 110. The transverse sections and endwalls 111 of the FIG. 1 round propellant chamber are of substantiallyrectangular configuration. The embodiments of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are ofsubstantially the same construction as the FIG. 1 round, but thetransverse sections and corresponding end walls 112, 113, and 114 are ofconfigurations which are substantially square, triangular, andcylindrical, respectively.

The portion of the closed breech weapon system (FIGS. 6-8) includes asubstantially cylindrical barrel 120 having an axially offset capsulechamber 121 integral therewith, both the barrel and capsule chamberhaving a somewhat shortened common wall portion 122 to accommodate theFIG. 1 round prior to firing (FIG. 6) which function is accomplishedafter the barrel lug 123 and capsule chamber lug 124 are simultaneouslyengaged by the opposed hook or locking lugs 125, 126 of the rotatableand longitudinally translatable breech means or bolt 127. The closedbreech type bolt 127 has a firing pin 128, biased by spring 129surrounding the firing pin rod or stem 130, with its receptive breechopening 131 in operative alignment with the primer of the round to befired. The barrel 120 has a transverse opening 120A and an appropriateconduit 120C to direct gas energy for further weapon operation. Anejection rod 134 is slidably mounted in an apertured forward wall 135 ofcapsule chamber 121 to rearwardly eject a fired or undesired round whenthe bolt 127 has been rotated out of locking engagement and translatedrearward (FIG. 8). The chamber wall 135 is internally recessed tonormally seat the ejection rod head 136. The capsule chamber 121 has acrosssection of substantially rectangular configuration to receive thepropellant capsule portion of the FIG. 1 round. For firing of the FIGS.2, 3, or 4 rounds, this transverse section configuration issubstantially square, triangular or cyclindrical, respectively.

The ammunition rounds of FIGS. 9-13 are distinguished from the FIGS. 1-5rounds in that upper cylindrical portion 103A of the thin capsulerearward walls each have a press fitted blow out disc 103C or apreformed weakened section as defined by an internal recess 103E (FIG.13) in the pressure chamber rearward wall portions. The disc or weakenedsection 103C operatively aligns with the recoilless or partiallyrecoilless weapon nozzle 127A (FIG. 14) of the rearwardly enlargingtapered recoil vent 127C provided in the breech or bolt 127. The forwardinternal surface of the nozzle 127A is formed with a substantially sharpannular edge to facilitate positive shearing action upon the operativeportion of the weakened section 103C when sufficient propellant pressureis generated in the pressure chamber portion of cylindrical chamber 103by the ignited propellent 110.

The ammunition rounds of FIGS. 15-19 contain several variations fortheir operative firings in the fixed projectile, inserted bolt weaponsystems of FIGS. 20 and 21. The capsule cylindrical chamber 203 has anopen rearward end 206A adjacent its pressure chamber portion 206, andcontains a bottom gas vent 203A which is substantially in verticalalignment with the blow out disc or pre-formed weakened section 20Adefined by internal recess 204C in the upper wall of capsule propellanechamber 204. A suitable primer 209 is located in the rearward wall ofthe propellant chamber which is integrally connected with chamber 203 bythe forwardly opening cavity side and rearward walls 205.

In both the FIG. 20 closed breech and FIG. 21 recoilless or partiallyrecoilless weapon systems the common wall portion 222, for thecylindrical barrel 220 and axially offset capsule chamber 211,terminates with a rearwardly extending tongue 222A that fits into theconnecting cavity and abuts the cavity rear wall 205 upon loading of theround. Tongue 222A has a vertical gas vent passage 222C that placescapsule chambers 203 and 204 in fluid communication upon firing of theround as the developed pressure gas blows out a portion of the weakenedsection 204A at the sharp edged passage 222C and enters the pressurechamber 206 adjacent the concave recess 227E provided in the forwardface of the reduced tip portion 227G on the bolt 2278. The bolt 2278 islongitudinally translatable in the rotational and longitudinallytranslatable breech member 227. With bolt lug or pin 227I-I slidable inlongitudinal slot 227F of member 227, the bolt is withdrawn rearwardlyprior to operative disengagement and engagement of the breech hooking orlocking lugs 225, 226 with the barrel lug 223 and capsule chamber lug224. A recoilless or partially recoilless weapon nozzle 227A (FIG. 21)is provided in bolt 2278 at the juncture of the rearwardly enlargingtapered recoil vent 227C and the concave recess 227E.

The ammunition rounds of FIGS. 22-26 are distinguished from the FIGS.15-19 rounds in that the upper portion of the capsule cylindricalchamber 203 has a lengthwise split or slotted wall 203C. A plurality ofcamming or dimple means 203E are provided on the internal surface of thepressure chamber portion 206 adjacent the slotted wall 203C and justrearward of projectile 107. This will facilitate the release and barrelchambering of the projectile as the longitudinally translatable bolt 250(FIGS. 27 and 28) earns the dimple means 203E to spread the inwardlydirected substantially annular flange 240 and pushes the projectile toits final pre-firing position in barrel 260. Cylindrical barrel 260differs from barrel 220 in that an additional intermediate internalrecessed surface 261 is provided rearwardly adjacent the rifling 262 toaccommodate the forwardmost portion of bolt 250 in its firing position,while a further recessed surface 263 accommodates the spread portions ofsplit chamber wall 203. The longitudinal slot 271 of the rotational andlongitudinally translatable breech member 270 is substantially longerthan slot 227F, such that the lug or pin 227H on bolt 250 can beaccommodated for its intended full stroke. The forward end of bolt 250has a fowardly opening nozzle surface 253 that intersects with a concaverecess 254 provided on the underside of the bolt, so that the pressurechamber portion 206 fluidly communicates gas vent passage 222C with therearward end of projectile 107 in both the FIG. 27 closed breech andFIG. 28 recoilless or partially recoilless weapon systems. Therearwardly enlarging tapered recoil vent 256 (FIG. 28) in bolt 250intersects concave recess 254 at the effective recoilless nozzle throat257.

The ammunition rounds of FIGS. 29-32 are each provided with alongitudinally extending groove 104L of dovetail transverseconfiguration throughout the entire length of a selected propellantcapsule chamber wall portion 104, as well as a rib or tongueprotuberance 104M of substantially similar dovetail configuration alongthe length of an opposed longitudinally extending wall portion. Whereeach substantially similar round has its corresponding tongue and groovesurfaces 104M, 104L extending in parallel planes, successive similarcartridge capsules can be integrally linked or connected (FIG. 33, 34)in a substantially straight line cluster pattern. The correspondingdovetailed tongue and groove surfaces of similar rounds can also beformed or oriented in non-parallel planes such that successive similarcapsules can be integrally linked or matingly joined to form an arcuateor circular cluster pattern or array (FIGS. 35, 36). Each cluster may beheld in an appropriate feeding and stripping mechanism (not shown) whichwill enable the corresponding breech member to longitudinally translateeach stripped round into its weapon position prior to rotational lockingmotion of the breech member. It is contemplated that each of thepreviously described rounds (FIGS. 5, 13, 19, and 26) may be sodovetailed for integral linking or connecting purposes, and each firedin their respective weapons which can be slightly altered to accommodatethe protruding rib or tongue. The breech locking arrangement on each ofthe respective weapons also can be relocated to a position somewhatrearward to enable the forward portion of the bolt to have across-sectional shape similar or identical to that of the particularcartridge to be chambered.

A modified cluster arrangement (FIG. 37) includes an annular linkingmember 300 of substantially rearwardly opening U-shaped configuration(FIG. 38) having a plurality of equally spaced arcuate or concaverecesses 301 along its peripheral or outermost surface 302 toaccommodate an arcuate undersurface portion of the capsule cylindricalchamber 203 on the FIG. 17 ammunition rounds. The rounds are slidforward onto the metal link ring 300 at each recessed surface 301 suchthat the ring cradles each round at the rearmost clearance between itspropellant chamber 204 and projectile 107 or its supporting cylinder203. It is contemplated that the ring 300 be formed to cluster similarrounds from any of the groups associated with FIGS. 5, 13, 19 or 26 andthat the cluster can be suitable mounted and indexed on weapon systemcylindrical stubs of the type to be later described with unitary andradially arranged ammunition containers or clusters.

The modified cluster arrangement (FIG. 39) employs a plurality ofindividual clip members 320 (FIG. 40) which are shown to be joined orlinked by insertion of respective FIG. 1 capsule cartridges 101 intoselected substantially C-shaped wings or clip portions of adjacent clips320. Each link member 320 is formed from a pre-slotted blank or metalmember and contains a substantially straight integral or common portionand upper and lower groups of alternately disposed loop portions 321,322, 323 and 321A, 322A, 323A. The upper loops are formed to enablesimultaneous reception of the cartridge capsule cylindrical chamber 103and projectile 107 by longitudinally spaced loops 323, 321 of one linkand intermediate loop 322 of an adjacent link, while the substantiallyrectangular propellant capsule portion 104 is clipped or received byrespective loop portions 323A, 321A of the one link and middle loop 322Aof the adjacent link. The substantially straight line type of cluster(FIG. 39) so formed can be used in the same manner as the unitaryrectangular ammunition containers or clusters to be later described.Clip members 320 can also cluster separate groups of cartridges of FIGS.9, 15, 22. The: width of the straight common portion of the C-shapedclip portions can be reduced such that similar clips can clusterseparate groups of cartridges of FIGS. 2, .10, 16, 23 as well as FIGS.4, 12, 18, 25. The clipping or clustering of separate groups ofcartridges of FIGS. 3, 11, 17, 24 can be accomplished where thepre-formed slits of the clip blank are of sufficient length that thelower loops can be bent or inclined to facilitate insertion of therounds.

The integral or unitary multiple cavity containers 400A, 4008, 400C,400D (FIGS. 4144) are preferably made of ferrous, non-ferrous orsynthetic material in cylindrical form to contain a cluster of cartridgecapsule portions similar to the respective ammunition rounds of FIGS.1-4. The annular container 400A has a central cylindrical opening 401(FIGS. 41, 45) and includes a plurality of circumferentially spacedcavities that are defined by integral cartridge capsule portions 402each having a cylindrical chamber 403 and longitudinally offsetpropellant chamber 404 which is interconnected by metering orifice 405at the rearmost edge of separating wall 405A. Orifice 4l05 fluidlycommunicates the propellant chamber 404 with the pressure chamberportion 406 of chamber 403 whose forward barrel portion 408 slidablyreceives projectile 107. A suitable primer 409 is secured in anappropriately recessed and apertured rear wall portion of each cartridgecapsule portion 402, preferably aligned with propellant chamber 404 thatcontains the desired propellant 110. An appropriate substantiallyannular ring shaped end wall closure 411 is suitably secured with cementor the like to seal the forward end of each propellant chamber 404having a rectangular transverse configuration. Containers 400B, 400C,and 400D will require similar ring end wall closures that suitably sealtheir respective propellant chambers of substantially square, triangularand cylindrical configurations.

The central opening 401 of each annular container 400A, 400B, 400C,400D, is slidingly received on the cylindrical stub 420A (FIG. 46) thatextends rearwardly from the weapon housing 4208 and parallel to butsubstantially offset or below the barrel 420 of the closed breech weaponsystem for the FIGS. 41-44 cylindrical capsule containers or clusters.Preferably, stub 420A has a tapered rearward end and is centrallylocated within the rearwardly opening weapon housing annular wall 421 tofacilitate the reception of the cylindrical or annular containers thatcan be delivered by the longitudinally translatable breech means or bolt427 prior to rotation of the breech to simultaneously secure the opposedhook or locking lugs 425, 426 in engagement with the weapon housing lugs423, 424. After each successive cartridge capsule portion is suitablyindexed to a firing position by means not shown, actuation of spring 429surrounding the rod or stem 7 430 of firing pin 428 will initiate thealigned primer 409 to fire the round. When all of the rounds in thecluster or container have been fired, bolt 427 is rotated out of lockingengagement and translated rearward to permit the spent container to bereplaced by another multicapsule cluster or container.

The multi-cavity ammunition containers of FIG. 47 are distinguished fromthe FIG. 45 ammunition cylinders in that the rearward walls of eachcartridge capsule portion 402 have a blow out disc or pre-formedweakened section 403C as defined by internal recess 403E adjacent thepressure chamber portion 406. Each recess 403E operatively aligns withthe recoilless or partially recoilless weapon sharp edged nozzle 427A(FIG. 48) of the rearwardly enlarging tapered recoil vent 427C providedin the breech or bolt 427.

The ammunition containers of FIG. 49, that are fired in the fixedprojectile, inserted bolt weapon systems of FIGS. 50 and 51, aredistinguished from the FIG. 45 cylindrical clusters in that eachcartridge capsule portion 402 has its cylindrical chamber 403 defined bya through bore to provide an open rearward end 406A adjacent itspressure chamber portion 406 for reception of reduced tip portion 427G(FIGS. 50, 51) on the forward end of the bolt 4273 that islongitudinally translatable in the rotational and longitudinallytranslatable breech member 427. Preferably, a rearward upper wallportion of each capsule propellant chamber 404 is internally recessed at404C to provide a preformed weakened section or blow-out disc 404A inthe full common wall that separates cavities 403 and 404. When eachprimer 409 is actuated or initiated, developed pressure gas blows outthe weakened section or disc 404A and enters pressure chamber 406adjacent the concave recess 427E provided in the forward face of bolttip 427G. With bolt pin 427H slidable in longitudinal slot 427F ofmember 427, the bolt is withdrawn substantially simultaneous withindexing of the associated ammunition cylinder by means not shown, andwhen a replacement ammunition cylinder is required, bolt withdrawal isfollowed by operative disengagement and engagement of the breech orlocking lugs 425, 426 with the weapon housing lugs 423, 424. Arecoilless or partially recoilless weapon nozzle 427A (FIG. 51) isprovided in bolt 4273 at the juncture of the rearwardly enlargingtapered recoil vent 427C and the concave recess 427E.

The multi-cavity ammunition containers of FIG. 52 are distinguished fromthe FIG. 47 ammunition cylinders in that each cartridge capsule portion402 has the upper portion of its cylindrical chamber 403 provided with alengthwise split or slotted wall 403$ (FIGS. 52, 52A). A plurality ofcamming or dimple means 403T are provided on the internal surface ofeach pressure chamber portion 406 adjacent the slotted wall 403$ justrearward of each projectile 107. This facilitates the release and barrelchambering of the projectile as the longitudinally translatable bolt 450(FIGS. 53 and 54) cams the dimple means 403T to spread the slotted walland pushes the projectile to its final pre-firing position in barrel420. The internal surface of the housing annular wall 421 is ofappropriate dimensions that sufficient clearance is provided for lateralspreading of the split cylindrical chambers 403 during the projectilebarrel chambering operations. The longitudinal slot 471 of therotational and longitudinally translatable breech member 470 issubstantially longer than slot 427F (FIGS. 50, 51), such that the pin427H on bolt 450 can 7 be accommodated for the intended full stroke ofthe bolt. The forward end of bolt 450 has a forwardly opening nozzlesurface 453 that intersects with a concave recess 454 provided on theunderside of the bolt so that each pressure chamber portion 406 fluidlycommunicates developed pressure gas from the respective propellantchamber 404 with the rearward end of the corresponding projectile 107during operation of both the FIG. 53 closed breech and FIG. 54recoilless or partially recoilless weapon systems. The rearwardlyenlarging tapered recoil vent 456 (FIG. 54) in bolt 450 intersectsconcave recess 454 at the effective recoilless nozzle throat 457.

The unitary or integral multiple cavity ammunition cluster 500 (FIGS.55-57) is a rectangular prism which is made of materials similar to theaforementioned multi-cavity cylindrical ammunition containers andincludes a plurality or cluster of cartridge capsule portions 502 thatare integrally arranged in laterally spaced positions across the prismas it is successively moved or fed transversely through the firingchamber 501 (FIG. 58) of a closed breech weapon system having anintegral arrangement for the closed breech or bolt and barrel portions527 and 520, respectively. Each cartridge capsule portion 502 is verysimilar to the cartridge capsule portions 402 of the FIG. 45 ammunitioncylinder. Preferably. a rectangular shaped or elongated cover 511 iscemented to an appropriate receptacle therefor extending across theforwardmost portions of the successively arranged propellant chambers404. While each of the propellant cavities 404 in the FIG. 55 elongatedammunition prism has been formed with a transverse section ofsubstantially rectangular configuration, the propellant cavities 404 ofthe rectangular prism may also be of substantially square, triangularand cylindrical configuration, and the end wall closure or seal 511would not require modification.

The type of multi-cavity ammunition prism 500A (FIG. 59) aredistinguished from the FIG. 55 ammunition prisms 500 in that therearward walls of each cartridge capsule portion 502 for each of theprisms is provided with a blow out disc or a pre-formed weakened section503C as defined by internal recess 503E adjacent the pressure chamberportion 406. Each recess 503E operatively aligns with the recoilless orpartially recoilless weapon sharp edged nozzle 527A (FIG. 62) of therearwardly enlarging tapered recoil vent 527C provided in the boltportion 527.

The type of ammunition prism 5008 (FIG. that are fired in the fixedprojectile. inserted bolt weapon systems of FIGS. 63 and 64, aredistinguished from the FIG. 55 ammunition prisms 500 in that eachcartridge capsule portion 502 has its cylindrical chamber 403 defined bya through bore to provide an open rearward end 406A adjacent itspressure chamber portion 406 for reception of reduced tip portion 527G(FIGS. 63, 64) on the forward end of the bolt 5278 that is longitu'dinally translatable in breech portion 527. A rearward upper wallportion of each capsule propellant chamber 404 is internally recessed at404C to provide a preformed weakened section or blow-out disc 404A inthe full common wall that separates cavities 403 and 404. When eachprimer 409 is actuated or initiated, developed pressure gas blows outthe weakened section or disc 404A and enters pressure chamber 406adjacent the concave recess 527E provided in the forward face of bolttip 527G. An appropriate pin and slot connection (not shown) betweenbolt 5278 and breech portion 527 enables the bolt to be withdrawnsubstantially simultaneous with indexing or feeding of the associatedammunition prism through chamber 501 by means not shown. Bolt 5278 isalso withdrawn when a replacement ammunition prism is required. Arecoilless or partially recoilless weapon nozzle 527A (FIG. 64) isprovided in bolt 5278 at the juncture of the rearwardly enlargingtapered recoil vent 527C and the concave recess 527E.

The type of ammunition prism 500C (FIG. 61) are distinguished from theFIG. 60 ammunition prisms in that each cartridge capsule portion 502 hasthe upper portion of its cylindrical chamber 403 provided with alengthwise split or slotted wall 4038 and a plurality of camming ordimple means 403T are provided on the internal surface of each pressurechamber portion 406 adjacent the slotted wall 4038 just rearward of eachprojectile 107. This facilitates the release and barrel chambering ofthe projectile as the longitudinally translatable bolt 550 (FIGS. 65 and66) cams the dimple means 403T to spread the slotted wall and pushes theprojectile to its final pre-firing position in barrel 500. The internalupper surface of the firing chamber 501 is suitably dimensioned thatsufficient clearance is provided for spreading of the slotted walls. Asuitable pin and substantially long slot connection (not shown) betweenbolt 550 and breech portion 527 will enable full longitudinal motion ofthe bolt 550 throughout its intended full stroke. The forward end ofbolt 550 has a forwardly opening nozzle surface 553 that intersects witha concave recess 554 provided on the underside of the bolt so that eachpressure chamber portion 406 fluidly communicates developed pressure gasfrom the respective propellant chamber 404 with the rearward end of thecorresponding projectile 107 during operation of both the FIG. 65 closedbreech and FIG. 66 recoilless or partially recoilless weapon systems.The rearwardly enlarging tapered recoil vent 556 (FIG. 66) in bolt 550intersects concave recess 554 at the effec tive recoilless nozzle throat557.

Various modifications, changes and alterations may be resorted towithout departing from the scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

I claim:

1. An ammunition capsule comprising,

a unitary capsule body having an elongated longitudinally extendingcylindrical chamber, said chamber having a forward barrel portion forslidably receiving a projectile and a pressure chamber portion alignedwith and rearward of said barrel portion,

a one-piece imperforate propellant capsule chamber which remainsimperforate and is integral with and laterally offset from saidelongated chamber, said propellant capsule chamber having a transversesection of substantially cylindrical configuration,

said propellant capsule chamber having metering orifice means forfluidly communicating the propellant capsule chamber with said pressurechamber, and

a primer carried by an exterior surface of said ammunition capsule bodyfor igniting a capsule propellant charge.

2. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim I wherein saidpropellant capsule chamber has opposed longitudinally extending externalwall portions. one of said wall portions having a longitudinallyextending groove and the other wall portion having a tongue protuberanceof a substantially similar configuration as said groove.

3. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 2 wherein a rearwardwall of said pressure chamber portion has a pro-formed weakened sectionfor use with a recoil vent in breech means of a recoilless system.

4. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 1 wherein a rearwardwall of said pressure chamber portion has a pre-formed weakened sectionfor use with a recoil vent in breech means of a recoilless system.

5. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidpressure chamber portion has an open rearward end.

6. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 5 wherein saidpropellant capsule chamber has opposed longitudinally extending externalwall portions, one of said wall portions having a longitudinallyextending groove and the other wall portion; having a tongueprotuberance of a substantially similar configuration as said groove.

7. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 6 wherein an uppersurface of said propellant chamber has a pre-formed weakened section.

8. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 5 wherein an uppersurface of said propellant chamber has a preformed weakened section.

9. The structure of claim 5 wherein inwardly protruding dimple means arelocated on the internal surface of said pressure chamber portion.

10. The structure of claim 9 wherein inwardly directed flange means areprovided on the forward end of said barrel portion.

11. The structure of claim 10 wherein said elongated chamber has alongitudinally slotted wall portion.

12. The structure of claim 9 wherein said elongated chamber has alongitudinally slotted wall portion.

13. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 12 wherein saidpropellant capsule chamber has opposed longitudinally extending externalwall portions, one of said wall portions having; a longitudinallyextending groove and the other wall portion having a tongue protuberanceof a substantially similar configuration as said groove.

14. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 13 wherein an uppersurface of said propellant chamber has a pre-formed weakened section.

15. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 12 wherein an uppersurface of said propellant chamber has a pre-formed weakened section.

1. An ammunition capsule comprising, a unitary capsule body having anelongated longitudinally extending cylindrical chamber, said chamberhaving a forward barrel portion for slidably receiving a projectile anda pressure chamber portion aligned with and rearward of said barrelportion, a one-piece imperforate propellant capsule chamber whichremains imperforate and is integral with and laterally offset from saidelongated chamber, said propellant capsule chamber having a transversesection of substantially cylindrical configuration, said propellantcapsule chamber having metering orifice means for flUidly communicatingthe propellant capsule chamber with said pressure chamber, and a primercarried by an exterior surface of said ammunition capsule body forigniting a capsule propellant charge.
 2. The cartridge capsule inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said propellant capsule chamber hasopposed longitudinally extending external wall portions, one of saidwall portions having a longitudinally extending groove and the otherwall portion having a tongue protuberance of a substantially similarconfiguration as said groove.
 3. The cartridge capsule in accordancewith claim 2 wherein a rearward wall of said pressure chamber portionhas a pre-formed weakened section for use with a recoil vent in breechmeans of a recoilless system.
 4. The cartridge capsule in accordancewith claim 1 wherein a rearward wall of said pressure chamber portionhas a pre-formed weakened section for use with a recoil vent in breechmeans of a recoilless system.
 5. The cartridge capsule in accordancewith claim 1 wherein said pressure chamber portion has an open rearwardend.
 6. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 5 wherein saidpropellant capsule chamber has opposed longitudinally extending externalwall portions, one of said wall portions having a longitudinallyextending groove and the other wall portion having a tongue protuberanceof a substantially similar configuration as said groove.
 7. Thecartridge capsule in accordance with claim 6 wherein an upper surface ofsaid propellant chamber has a pre-formed weakened section.
 8. Thecartridge capsule in accordance with claim 5 wherein an upper surface ofsaid propellant chamber has a pre-formed weakened section.
 9. Thestructure of claim 5 wherein inwardly protruding dimple means arelocated on the internal surface of said pressure chamber portion. 10.The structure of claim 9 wherein inwardly directed flange means areprovided on the forward end of said barrel portion.
 11. The structure ofclaim 10 wherein said elongated chamber has a longitudinally slottedwall portion.
 12. The structure of claim 9 wherein said elongatedchamber has a longitudinally slotted wall portion.
 13. The cartridgecapsule in accordance with claim 12 wherein said propellant capsulechamber has opposed longitudinally extending external wall portions, oneof said wall portions having a longitudinally extending groove and theother wall portion having a tongue protuberance of a substantiallysimilar configuration as said groove.
 14. The cartridge capsule inaccordance with claim 13 wherein an upper surface of said propellantchamber has a pre-formed weakened section.
 15. The cartridge capsule inaccordance with claim 12 wherein an upper surface of said propellantchamber has a pre-formed weakened section.